Layyah, Punjab, Pakistan: A deeply troubling act of religious vandalism has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s Christian minority after unknown individuals defaced a church in Layyah, Punjab, with Islamic inscriptions and cryptic symbols. The graffiti, which appeared earlier this week, includes numbers such as “270” and “230,” along with the term “Christian–Asai” crossed out—messages widely interpreted by the community as coded threats aimed at inciting fear. 

Eyewitnesses report that these hate symbols were painted not only on church walls but also near Christian residential areas, amplifying the sense of targeted intimidation. Despite the severity of the incident, local law enforcement agencies have yet to take visible action or issue public statements. Community members allege that authorities know who is responsible but have chosen silence, further eroding trust in the state's commitment to protecting religious minorities. 

A Pattern of Intimidation: Karachi and Faisalabad 

The Layyah incident is part of a disturbing pattern of similar acts targeting Christian places of worship and communities elsewhere in Pakistan. In Karachi, Islamic phrases were recently painted on the walls of the Holy Trinity Church. Extremists had also defaced the same church two years ago with similar slogans, signaling a persistent campaign. These repeated acts suggest an agenda to convert churches into mosques. 

Earlier, the same extremists targeted Pastor Vicky’s church in Faisalabad with identical Islamic inscriptions. Following these attacks, Christian colonies across the country have increasingly become targets of harassment and intimidation. 

Observers and community members express deep concern over these escalations, lamenting the silence of state institutions despite clear knowledge of the perpetrators and the heightened risks faced by minorities. 

LEAD Ministries Condemns Hate Speech, Calls for Accountability 

LEAD Ministries Pakistan, a leading human rights organization, has strongly condemned the Layyah attack. Its founder, Sardar Mushtaq Gill, described the graffiti as “a blatant act of religious hatred designed to terrorize a vulnerable community.” 

“This attack is on more than just a building; it is on the spirit of religious coexistence in Pakistan,” Gill said. “The deliberate use of Islamic phrases alongside threatening symbols sends a clear message of intolerance.” 

Gill called on international organizations—including the United Nations and global Christian advocacy groups—to pressure the Pakistani government to ensure minority protection and hold the perpetrators accountable. 

An Escalating Pattern of Persecution 

This incident fits into a broader pattern of hostility faced by Christians in Pakistan—from hate speech and forced conversions to mob violence. Human rights defenders warn that symbolic acts of intimidation like graffiti often precede physical violence, as witnessed during the 2023 Jaranwala attacks, where churches and Christian homes were set ablaze. 

These church vandalism incidents occurred when Christians were protesting the Jaranwala attacks on churches and Christian residences. 

The silence and inaction of law enforcement in such cases are viewed as tacit approval of these hate-driven acts, further deepening fear and insecurity among religious minorities. 

Community Calls for Justice 

Christian leaders, including Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries Pakistan in Layyah and across Pakistan, are calling for immediate investigations and justice, said Pastor Imran Amanat. “The messages on our church walls are warnings. We need protection — not silence.” 

Without decisive action, there is a grave risk that threats painted on walls will turn into violence against people.